Ya i dont know much about cars YET but i bought this beauty as a fixer upper with the intentions of eventually swapping the engine well i finally got a job and the money is rolling in so now i can get the engine i desire. I dont even know what kind of ej22 i should get. Can yall help me on what i can  get for the best price and power. i may go for the ej25 if someone can convince me.

Many have done the swap,just look thru the various threads and see what you can find...then the experts will step in.

The most common swap is the phase 1 EJ22, because it uses OBD1 so the wiring is simpler, and because it is a non interference engine-no engine damage if the belt breaks.Its found in 90-94 legacies.It it only 130 HP but it is still enough motivation for a light subaru,especially an old brat.The first EJ22 swapped vehicle was a EA82 station wagon which is a good 5-600 lbs heavier than a gen 1 brat,and I still had traction issues in FWD at 25 MPH in 3rd gear if I stomped on it.In a gen 1 brat a AWD transmission may be needed if your not lifting it and putting on bigger tires.

 

Also with a gen 1 valve cover clearance to the frame rails is tight with an EJ22,A little bit of frenching work on the frame rail is needed if you want to ever be able to change valve cover gaskets with the engine in the car.The 2.5 is wider still especially with DOHC heads.

91-94 2.2 stay away from interferance ones after 96

Sorry for being such a noob but will this work with my 1980 brat. my brother says it will but i want to make sure before i drop $400. http://www.sjrlift.com/index.php/catalog/engine-swap-parts/ea-to-ej-swap-kit-detail

If you have a "fat case" EA71 (side mounted starter) or an EA81 it will work.However the 4 speed transmission really isn't that great and is prone to breakage even at stock power.Almost doubling the power is asking for trouble.The latter 5 speed is almost a direct swap(still need the adapter plate) but it will hold the power nicely.

 

If your lifting the brat and want bigger tires for offroad go with a dual range(hi/lo) 5 speed transmission found in 85-88 EA82 series cars(timing belt engine).

otherwise get a engine and AWD transmission from a parts car in manual or (shudder) auto. 

 

If you go with the AWD transmission you wont need the adapter plate but wont have low range or mechanically linked 4x4.